That Gift Guide: Cookbooks
A collection of my favorite cookbooks!
Hello and happy weekend! December has been a DOOZY. I haven’t stayed in one place for more than four days at a time and I’m starting to feel it. With the new year right around the corner, I’m already dreaming of cozying up and finally staying put for a while. This week, I brought all my cookbooks upstate from my apartment and spent an afternoon organizing them by color on the open shelves under my bay window. I was surprised by how many people asked about my favorites when I shared this photo on Instagram, so I thought I’d share some gift ideas with you!
CHEESE COOKBOOKS
I’ve collected quite a few cheese cookbooks over the years (naturally), but these are my top picks. Each one is and packed with great insights into the wonderful world of cheese.
1. Adventures in Cheese by Tenaya Darlington
This book is a must-have for any cheese lover. Tenaya Darlington, also known as Madame Fromage, is an expert in the field. Her storytelling and cheese tips will inspire you to think creatively about cheese pairings, cooking, and entertaining. Plus, the recipes are approachable yet impressive.
2. Cheese Sex Death by Erika Kubick
Erika’s book is a cheeky and detailed celebration of cheese. It’s part guidebook, part manifesto, and packed with practical tips, cheese descriptions and tasty recipes. If you’re looking to deepen your cheese knowledge while having a little fun, this one’s for you.
3. The New Rules of Cheese by Anne Saxelby
This book is a gem that showcases Anne Saxelby’s vast cheese knowledge. Anne was a true pioneer in the cheese world, known for her passion for supporting small-scale American cheesemakers and her dedication to the craft. Her book is as much an education as it is a love letter to cheese, filled with practical advice and heartfelt anecdotes. Anne’s legacy continues to inspire countless people in the industry and she will always be missed.
COOKBOOKS FOR THE HOST
Cookbooks also make excellent host gifts for holiday parties! Whether it’s for a seasoned entertainer or someone just getting into hosting, here are some of my favorites (including my own, hehe)
1. That Cheese Plate Will Change Your Life by Marissa Mullen
This was my very first cookbook and is perfect for beginners stepping into the world of cheese plates. It’s packed with my signature Cheese By Numbers method, offering step-by-step guides to help anyone create stunning cheese plates with ease. Whether you’re building your first board or gifting it to someone who loves cheese, the book is approachable, fun, and practical.
2. That Cheese Plate Wants to Party by Marissa Mullen
My most recent cookbook takes cheese plating to the next level. In this book, I expand beyond the basics to explore pairings, color schemes, and the art of hosting. It’s a bit more advanced than my first book, but it still features over 50 step-by-step guides. Plus, both of my books are smaller than your typical cookbook, making them a perfect pair with a beautiful cheese board or a bottle of wine.
3. The Cheese Board Deck by Meg Quinn
Meg Quinn’s The Cheese Board Deck is a clever take on a cookbook. Instead of a traditional book format, it’s a deck of cards featuring cheese board recipes and styling ideas. It’s a great gift for creative hosts who love to experiment with new ideas or for anyone looking for quick inspiration to elevate their next gathering.
COOKBOOKS FOR PAIRINGS
As I've delved deeper into the art of flavor pairings, several books have been inspiring, offering flavorful and sometimes unexpected combinations to elevate any dish. Here are a few of my favorites:
1. The Flavor Bible by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg
This guide is an amazing resource for understanding how different flavors interact. It provides an extensive list of ingredients, each accompanied by suggested complementary flavors, helping you intuitively create harmonious dishes.
2. The Flavor Thesaurus by Niki Segnit
Niki Segnit's book is a creative exploration of flavor pairings, organized by flavor profiles. It offers a ton of unique combinations, from the classic to the unconventional, encouraging you to experiment and discover new tastes.
DINNER PARTY COOKBOOKS
Planning a dinner party can feel daunting, but with the right cookbooks in hand, hosting becomes a joy! These are some of my favorite go-to books, offering great recipes and inspiration for everything from casual gatherings to elegant feasts.
1. Big Night by Katherine Lewin
This gem is by my friend and owner of one of my favorite shops in Brooklyn! Katherine Lewin’s Big Night celebrates the art of easy yet elegant dinner party hosting. The book is beautifully curated with recipes that are simple to prepare yet packed with flavor, making it ideal for hosts who want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the party.
2. Justine Cooks by Justine Snacks
I’m always so impressed with Justine’s flavor combinations and unique recipes. Her first cookbook is a celebration of inventive, approachable plant-forward dishes that are great for sharing. She brings a fresh perspective to dinner party fare and the photos are stunning.
3. What to Cook When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking by Caroline Chambers
This cookbook is a lifesaver for hosts who want to serve something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Caroline Chambers shares recipes that are easy to execute, super flavorful, and perfect for entertaining when time or energy is in short supply.
4. Pass The Plate by Caroline Gelen
I love Carolina’s recipes and Instagram videos. This book highlights vibrant, wholesome dishes made with fresh ingredients, focusing on flavors that bring people together around the table. With recipes like roasted vegetables, cozy stews, and refreshing salads, it’s perfect for hosting dinner parties where the food is both comforting and impressive.
5. The Farm Table by Julius Roberts
Julius Roberts brings the charm of the English countryside to your kitchen with this collection of seasonal recipes inspired by his life on a small farm. His dishes emphasize fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and celebrate the beauty of simplicity. Alongside recipes, Julius shares personal anecdotes and tips for creating a warm, welcoming dinner table atmosphere.
DRINK COOKBOOKS
No dinner party is complete without the perfect drinks to match the vibe! Here are some of my favorite books that focus on wine pairings and inventive cocktails.
1. Wine Folly by Madeline Puckette and Justin Hammack
This book has taught me SO much about wine. It’s approachable, visually stunning, and packed with practical tips for selecting, tasting, and pairing wines. It’s an essential guide that simplifies the sometimes intimidating world of wine.
2. Free Spirit Cocktails by Camille Wilson
If you’re looking to craft alcohol-free drinks that are just as dynamic and flavorful as their boozy counterparts, Free Spirit Cocktails is for you. Camille Wilson’s approach to non-alcoholic cocktails combines unique ingredients and creative flavor profiles, making it the go-to guide for anyone wanting to enjoy sophisticated, refreshing drinks without the alcohol.
FLOWER BOOKS
As a bonus, I wanted to highlight a few books that celebrate the art of florals. For me, flowers are an essential part of hosting. They set the tone, add beauty, and elevate any gathering. Here are a few faves:
1. Edible Flowers by Monica Nelson
I frequently get asked questions about edible flowers and how to find / use them. This book shows you how to incorporate them into your cooking, baking, and cocktails. It’s filled with recipes, styling tips, and vibrant photography, making it a perfect companion for those looking to add a floral touch to their hosting repertoire.
2. Home in Bloom by Ariella Chezar
Ariella Chezar’s Home in Bloom is a stunning celebration of flowers as art in the home. This book offers practical advice on how to create arrangements for every season, showcasing both formal and wildflower designs. It’s a beautiful resource for those who want to bring a little extra life and beauty to their dinner parties or everyday decor.
3. Discovering Dahlias by Erin Benzakein
I’ve been following Erin Benzakein for years, always in awe of her stunning flowers on her farm. This book takes you on a journey through the world of dahlias, one of my favorite flowers. It’s perfect for gardeners and flower enthusiasts, offering tips on growing, harvesting, and arranging. Also makes for a great book to display.
Drop your favorite books in the comments, I always love discovering new gems :) Happy holidays!